Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) always puts many lives at risk: the driver’s, the pedestrians’ and other motorists’ lives. Both federal and state authorities and traffic enforcers are always on the watch for drunken drivers due to the danger they present on US roads and highways. And in the hope to curb motor vehicle accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes sure that car drivers, who register a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% (for commercial vehicle drivers, like truck drivers, the limit is 0.04 %, while for those below 21 years old, it’s zero tolerance), are apprehended and charged.

DUI or DWI is a very serious offense in many states. Besides the hefty fines, imprisonment, compulsory attendance in a DUI class and/or community service, a driver charged with and convicted of DUI can suffer suspension or revocation of his/her license (especially those involving serious accidents where a victim may end up severely injured or dead). A serious driving offense, including failure to carry auto liability insurance, can even mean requirement to fill out an SR-22 form, which usually lasts for three years and which requires higher insurance premiums.

An SR-22 is a form sent by the insurance provider to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state where the convicted driver resides, to prove that such driver already carries liability insurance. A new traffic violation by the driver, within the three year SR-22 coverage, can enable to state to decide for an extension of the SR-22 requirement.

Many drivers, who end up being charged and convicted of DUI, are first-time offenders, however. They are usually people, who simply spent great time with friends, colleagues or family and decided to drive home. While risking the lives of other people via driving while drunk may never have been in their least thought, still they will have to answer for the unlawful mistake they have committed.

The many negative effects of being arrested, charged and convicted of a crime, though, goes well beyond the court room. These negative effects are too great, in fact, that these can destroy one’s future personal and professional life. Thus, many are willing to do anything to avoid conviction. But while others try to run away from the law, complicating the situation even more, some bank on the competence of lawyers, whose knowledge and understanding of the law may save them from being convicted. An Austin criminal lawyer is one legal expert those facing conviction can always turn to; having him/her for an ally in the courtroom can benefit the accused in ways no other lawyer can.